Explore the world’s third-largest geothermal area in Iceland on cross-country skis
This is the winter adventure you’ve been dreaming of, especially if you’re a cross-country skier with only a few days to spare for an epic tour! For five days, you’ll follow an experienced and knowledgeable guide throughout the ethereal landscapes in Landmannalaugar, which is one of the world’s geothermal hot spots. You know what that means: soaking in hot springs every day before and after skiing. Bliss!
Iceland is home to some of the world’s most magnificent nature, and this is your ticket to explore it! Since the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour takes place during winter, your chances of witnessing the northern lights are very high. For a jam-packed adventure through lava fields, ice-field gorges, and many, many steam vents releasing the earth’s pressure, look no further than this 5-day cross-country ski tour in central Iceland.
Highlights of the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour
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Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour Itinerary
Day 1 XC Ski to Landmannalaugar Trail
Get ready for five days of jam-packed adventure! Your tour will start early with a pick-up from your accommodation and a drive to the trailhead in Sigalda. Once you’re there, it’s time to clip into your cross-country skis and get your ski legs under you.
The amazing landscapes waste no time in impressing you. First, you’ll cross lava fields, then cross over the Hnausar Pass, enjoying a slight descent to stunning highland Lake Frostastaðavatn.
Your luggage awaits you in the mountain hut, and after you settle in, you can head out for your first geothermal dip just steps away from where you’ll sleep tonight.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 6 hours, 100m of ascent/descent
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Explore Ljótipollur Crater
Enjoy a morning bath before breakfast if you wish! Nothing compares to the peace and solitude you’ll feel out here. Don’t worry about packing up because you’ll return to the same hut after spending the day exploring the area.
On today’s route, you’ll unearth the wonders of the Ljótipollur Crater, created from eruptions dating back to the 15th century. Continue the cross-country loop around the crater and catch an incredible vista of a highland lake, then push on to see views of nearby peaks.
When you return to the hut, take another dip in the geothermal pool to relax your muscles.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 5 hours, 100m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Stórihver Hot Springs
Fuel up on breakfast for a more demanding day than the last two. First, you’ll begin an ascent through hills dotted with steam vents, releasing the earth’s pressure. Then, press on to a vast opening emitting clouds of vapour. As if today wasn’t mystical enough already!
End the ski day with a cruisy downhill stretch to reach the mountain hut for the night. And, guess what—there are more hot springs!
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 6 hours, 550m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Cross Icecaps to Öræfajökull Glacier
Set out on your last full day of the tour to find two immense craters, Hattur (the Hat) and Skalli (the Bold). From there, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the nearest glacier, Torfajökull, and the ice-filled canyons around it.
In the late afternoon, head to your mountain hut accommodation and get your final soak in the steamy pools nearby.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 5 hours, 600m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 XC Ski to Sigalda and Return to Reykjavík
All good things come to an end! You’ll cross-country ski your way out of the Icelandic wilderness after breakfast. Relish in your final glides through lava fields and Landmannalaugar scenery.
Your driver will be waiting for you in Sigalda to return to Reykjavík. Pat yourself on the back for completing 100 km of cross-country skiing in five days! Now, on to the next journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Iceland is run as a group tour where you would be joining a group on a set departure date.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour
This tour is based in traditional mountain huts. The huts are basic with dormitories for sleeping and fully-equipped kitchens.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Single rooms are not available on this tour as mountain huts only have shared dormitories.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Mountain huts in Iceland
Stay in a shared mountain hut. You’ll have access to basic amenities and shared dormitories for a comfortable night in the wilderness.
What’s Included in the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 4 nights is included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included during the tour. At the start and end of the tour, transportation to and from Reykjavík is included.
Also Included
- Experienced English-speaking guide
Not included
- Sleeping bag and mat (available to rent)
- Cross-country ski equipment
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Reykjavik
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental
- Sleeping mat rental
- Ski equipment rental
- Extra nights in Reykjavík before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour
Icelandic Mountain Guides are a boutique adventure tour company that has been sharing the best of Iceland’s beautiful wilderness since 1994. Their passion for nature and adventure drives them to provide quality, fun and educational experiences for their guests. They are also committed to the environment, carbon neutralizing all of their day tours.
Learn MoreMap of Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour
Map of Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour
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